Allen Independent School District Board Academy February 21, 2015

Welcome and Introductions Dr. Lance Hindt, Superintendent Greg Cartwright, Chief Financial Officer Dr. Maroba Zoeller, Chief Governmental Relations Officer Tim Carroll, Chief Information Officer Daniel Pitcock, Chief Operations Officer Beth Nicholas, Assistant Superintendent for Learner Services Robin Bullock, Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership & Support Ken Gregorski, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

Board of Trustees

Allen ISD General Election Presented by Dr. Maroba Zoeller

Election: Important Dates

Paula English, Assistant to Chief Governmental Relations Officer Election Day February 21 January 28 February 27 February 27 Board Academy Application & CTA Filing Period Drawing for Ballot Position May 9 Paula English, Assistant to Chief Governmental Relations Officer 612 East Bethany Drive Allen, Texas 75002 972-236-0687 (office) 972-727-0496 (fax)

Trustee Profile Legal – BBA(Legal) Board Members Eligibility/Qualifications Personal Communicator Community Involvement Team Member

Election: Local Filing Authority As the local filing authority, the District is responsible for: Providing various forms listed and the accompanying instructions from the Ethics Commission’s website at http://www.ethics.state.tx.us/guides/COH_local_guide.htm Copying Forms and making them available to filers at no charge. Accepting documents that candidates, officeholders, and political committees file under Title 15 with a date-stamp on the filing and retaining postmarks and receipt marks on envelopes. Notification of Drawing for Position on the Ballot

Election: Local Filing Authority As the local filing authority, the District is responsible for: Determination of legal sufficiency of applications (ex.) If a candidate has an address outside of the district’s boundaries, has a notice of felony conviction, or other, the District must declare the candidate “ineligible”. BBA(LEGAL)

Election: Local Filing Authority As the local filing authority, the District is responsible for: Accepting financial reports during and after an election per the Texas Ethics Commission Supplying information to the media upon request Maintaining all election files on a permanent basis

POLITICAL ADVERTISING: What You Need to Know Texas Ethics Commission The Texas Election Law requires certain disclosures and notices on political advertising. The law also prohibits certain types of misrepresentation in political advertising and campaign communications. This brochure explains what you need to know to insure that your political advertising and campaign communications comply with the law. If you are not sure what the law requires, do the cautious thing. Use the political advertising disclosure statement whenever you think it might be necessary, and do not use any possibly misleading information in political advertising or a campaign communication. If you are using political advertising or campaign communications from a prior campaign, you should check to see if the law has changed since that campaign. NOTE! Texas Ethics Commission P.O. Box 12070 Austin, Texas 78711-2070 (512) 463-5800 FAX (512) 463-5777 TDD (800) 735-2989 www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised July 19, 2011

Important Online Resources for Candidates: Allen ISD Website AISD Trustee Election – May 9, 2015 Candidates: Applications Process Candidates: Forms, Instructions & Publications Candidates: Notice of Deadline to File Applications for Place on the Ballot

Important Online Resources for Candidates: Allen ISD Website AISD Board of Trustees: General Election Information (duties, terms, qualifications, etc.) AISD Board of Trustees: Board Policy Manual (policies and operating procedures) AISD Board of Trustees: Disclosure Requirements (conflict of interest) AISD Board Academy (web page)

Important Online Resources for Candidates: External Websites Collin County Elections Department Texas Association of School Board Members (TASB) Resources for Board Candidates Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) Local Filers and Filing Authority Texas Secretary of State Election Information

Introduction to Allen ISD Presented by: Tim Carroll

Overview History Interesting Facts

Allen Independent School District HISTORY PRESENTATION Presented by Allen ISD Public Information Office

Allen Independent School District HISTORY Allen Independent School District Allen School District is established in 1883 Citizens vote to change from common school district to an Independent School District in 1910 Two story brick school house is built in 1910 The new Allen ISD had 5 teachers and 200 students

Allen Independent School District HISTORY Allen Independent School District Statewide consolidation of small school districts takes place. The Bethany Schools are divided between Allen & Plano and the Bush Schools are divided between Frisco & Allen Due to segregation laws, African American students must attend separate schools. The Negro Methodist Church in Allen is purchased to open the Allen Colored School.

Allen Independent School District HISTORY Allen Independent School District Enrollments drop to 158 students and Allen ISD is faced with closure by the State. Board and community members rally to improve schools and recruit teachers preventing consolidation with McKinney ISD.

Allen Independent School District HISTORY Allen Independent School District Allen High School opens in 1959 at corner of Jupiter & Main Streets Enrollments begin to rise in early 1960’s Allen Schools are among the first in Collin County to integrate in 1964 - thus bringing all Allen students into the same schools

Allen Independent School District HISTORY Allen Independent School District Growth was slow but steady through 1980’s but rose quickly in late 1990’s. School of the 21st Century – Allen HS task force in 1996 – opened campus in 1999-2000 Averaged one school per year through 2000’s

Allen Independent School District HISTORY Allen Independent School District When Were Our Schools Built? Allen Schoolhouse - 1893 Allen School - 1910 Allen High School - 1959 Elementary Addition - 1965 Rountree Elemen - 1974 Boyd Elementary - 1978 Reed Elementary - 1980 Ford Middle School - 1984 Story Elementary – 1987 Vaughan Elementary – 1989 Curtis Middle School – 1994 Green Elementary – 1995 Anderson Elementary - 1997 Norton Elementary - 1997 Allen High School - 1999 Lowery Freshman Ctr. - 1999 Bolin Elementary - 2000 Kerr Elementary – 2000 Marion Elementary – 2003 Ereckson Middle School – 2004 Boon Elementary – 2005 Chandler Elementary – 2006 Evans Elementary – 2008 Olson Elementary – 2009 Cheatham Elementary – 2010 Lindsey Elementary – 2013

Allen Independent School District ALLEN ISD FACTS Allen Independent School District District covers 29 square miles including most of Allen plus some of Lucas, Fairview, Parker & McKinney Highly recognized for student academic and athletic performance & fiscal management Anticipate reaching “build out of about 23,000 students in 2020 In addition to classroom responsibilities, district serves 15,655 lunches per day and runs 82 daily bus routes carrying 4,518 students

Allen Independent School District STUDENT FACTS Allen Independent School District Allen ISD serves 20,522 students 56% Anglo 12.7% Hispanic 15.4% Asian 10.7% African American 4.6% Multi-Racial .6% Other (Native Amer., Pacific Islander)

Allen Independent School District STUDENT FACTS Allen Independent School District Allen High School serves 4,557 students (10-12) + 1,566 students at Lowery Freshman Center makes the school Texas’ largest 9-12 school 1,487 enrolled in one or more advanced placement courses 332 enrolled in dual college credit courses 64% graduate on recommended plan 29% graduate on distinguished plan Allen HS graduation rate is 98.5% 2,269 participate in extracurricular activities

Allen Independent School District EMPLOYEE FACTS Allen Independent School District Allen ISD employs 2,230 people Teaching Staff 1,215 Support Staff 843 Professional- Admin 241 Teaching Experience 0-5 years 33% 6 –10 years 24% 11 years + 43%

ALLEN ISD The Allen Way Extensive curriculum opportunities Allen Independent School District The Allen Way Extensive curriculum opportunities Excellent relationship between city and schools and economic development High community satisfaction based on participation and surveys Strong community confidence in leadership as exhibited by successful bond and TRE elections High teacher retention / low teacher turnover Access to outstanding facilities and technology

Finance Presented by: Greg Cartwright

General Fund Budget for 2014-2015 Fiscal Year % of Total Expenditures Allen ISD “At A Glance” General Fund Budget for 2014-2015 Fiscal Year Adopted Expenditures Budget $158.7 Million Adopted Operational Cost Per Student $7,645 % of Total Expenditures Instruction 64.2% Instructional Support 9.1% School Administration 5.8% General Administration 2.9% Facilities & Maintenance 12.4% Other 5.6% Payroll 80.0% Non-Payroll 20.0%

Debt Service for 2014-2015 Fiscal Year Allen ISD “At A Glance” Debt Service for 2014-2015 Fiscal Year Principal $18.3 Million Interest $22.5 Million Total Debt Service $40.8 Million Total Outstanding Debt $490 Million $300 Million Total $790 Million Overall Net Debt Burden – Rating Agencies 6.9%

Allen ISD “At A Glance” Tax Rates Bond Authorizations M&O $1.1600 Debt Service $.4800 Total $1.6400 Bond Authorizations 2002 $55.5 Million 2003 $71.5 Million 2008 $219.0 Million 2009 $119.4 Million

State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR™) Presented by: Beth Nicholas

Allen ISD 2014 STAAR 3-8 & EOC Testing Results

% Students Passing STAAR (2014) Allen High School Academic Allen ISD “At A Glance” Student Profile   White 56% Asian 15% Hispanic 13% African American 11% Mixed Race 4% Other 1% % Students Passing STAAR (2014)  Math 94% Reading 93% Writing 90% Social Studies 95% Science Staffing & Benefits   Total Staff 2,262 Teachers 1,277 Teacher Staffing Ratio 15.9 Beginning Bachelors $47,500 Beginning Masters $48,600 Monthly Health Contributions $310 Allen High School Academic ACT (2013) 24.4 SAT Composite (2013) 1,618

Allen ISD “At A Glance” Demographics District Area - 29 Sq. Miles Enrollment as of 1/29/15 20,586 1 High School Annual Growth Rate (14/15) 1.4% 1 9th Grade Center Attendance Rate (13/14) 97% 3 Middle Schools 17 Elementary Schools 1 Alternative Education Center

Performance Levels for STAAR Satisfactory Academic Performance (Level II) on STAAR assessments will be considered passing. UNSATISFACTORY LEVEL I SATISFACTORY LEVEL II ADVANCED LEVEL III Performance in this category indicates that students are inadequately prepared for the next grade or course. Performance in this category indicates that students are sufficiently prepared for the next grade or courses. Performance in this category indicates that students are well prepared for the next grade or course.

Impact of STAAR Phase-In Standards Level II Phase Testing Year 1 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 3 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 Final 2021-2022 We were in Phase-in 1 for the 2013-2014 school year. Next year, we will likely move to Phase-in 2, meaning that the score required to meet passing will increase.

2014 STAAR 3-8 Results

Red Line - State Results 76% 74% 77% 17% 18% 20% 15% We are in the third year of a new testing system, so overall our scores remained relatively stable with minor fluctuations (up or down) by 1-2%. This is a statewide and regional trend. We did have some significant gains in a few areas and on several campuses in Met Satisfactory and Advanced performance scores. Red Line - State Results

Red Line - State Results 75% 82% 19% 23% Celebration: 7th +1% Met Standard & +6% Advanced 8th +2% Met Standard Red Line - State Results

Red Line - State Results 70% 79% 16% 20% 22% 17% Celebration: 4th Math +7% Advanced 6th Math +4% Advanced Red Line - State Results

Red Line - State Results 67% 79% 11% 8% Celebration: 7th Math +5% Advanced 8th Math +3% Met Standard & +4% Advanced (Math 8 students only) Red Line - State Results

Red Line - State Results 73% 71% 11% 20% Celebration:   8th Science +8% Advanced Red Line - State Results

Red Line - State Results 62% 14% Celebration: 8th SS +3% Met Standard & +5% Advanced Red Line - State Results

Red Line - State Results 71% 70% 7% 6% Celebration: 4th Writing +3% Met Standard 7th Writing +4% Advanced Red Line - State Results

2014 STAAR EOC Results

Red Line - State Results 62% 66% 6% This is the first administration that combined both Reading and Writing tests into one day with a 5 hour time limit and a new test design. This significantly helped our students and overall, although it’s not an apples to apples comparison we saw over a 10% gain in students that met standard on the first administration. Red Line - State Results

Red Line - State Results 81% 91% 92% 18% 12% 16% Celebrations: Algebra +5% advanced Biology +1% Met U.S. History – first year of test no comparison data Red Line - State Results

Updates for 2014-2015 STAAR Modified will no longer be offered for Special Education students Accommodations will be available in an online format for students that qualify New Math TEKS in grades 3-8 Raw scores only in May No SSI requirements for re-testing in 5th & 8th grade math Passing standards will be set in summer of 2015 Seniors 2015 will be the first graduating class with STAAR/EOC requirements As of June 2014, we currently have 80 seniors that have one or more EOC tests to complete in order to graduate in 2015. 138 Juniors still need one or more EOC tests to graduate. 146 Sophomores still need one or more EOC tests to graduate.

QUESTIONS?

Board Responsibilities & Roles Presented by: Dr. Hindt

Board Responsibilities & Roles Policy & Governance Hire and Evaluate Superintendent Adopt Policy Approve and Adopt Annual Budget Set Tax Rate Community Leaders & Advocates for Schools Strategic Plan Compelling Message Legislative Advocacy Board of Directors Attendance at School Events Preparation for Board Meetings Leadership Development

Framework for School Board Development Vision Where Eagles SOAR The board ensures creation of a shared vision that promotes enhanced student achievement. Structure The board provides guidance and direction for accomplishing the vision. Accountability The board measures and communicates how well the vision is being accomplished. Advocacy The board promotes the vision. Unity The board works with the superintendent to lead the district toward the vision.

Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas

Who Created It and Why? 35 Texas Superintendents worked together to create the vision North Texas Consortium: Nine districts joined together to promote the Vision: This represents over 1.5 million students in Texas Allen Richardson Concerned over current politicians and business leaders creating our systems instead of Educators Coppell Northwest Highland Park Lewisville Worked nearly 2 years on vision – wanted document to spur ideas, creativity and serve as a catalyst to affect changes in our system Frisco Plano McKinney

Guiding Principles and Premises Article 1: The New Digital Learning Environment (21st century learner) Article 2: The New Learning Standards (Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum) Article 3: Assessments for Learning (Common Formative Assessments) Article 4: Accountability for Learning (Accountability Systems) Article 5: Organizational Transformation (Change Catalyst and Process) Article 6: Balanced and Reinvigorated State/Local Partnership (Public awareness, involvement and change in systems)

Vision, Beliefs and Mission Statement

Allen ISD: Where Eagles SOAR Vision Allen ISD: Where Eagles SOAR  

Beliefs We believe every child deserves the highest quality education We hold ourselves accountable to every child who walks through our door We believe the development of citizenship in all students is essential to a complete education We are responsible for building upon the sense of community we have inherited We believe the development of leadership is critical to success

Mission Statement “Allen ISD cultivates innovation in education that empowers every learner to realize his or her full potential”

Strategic Planning “Strategic planning is the means by which an organization continually recreates itself toward extraordinary purposes." William J. Cook , Jr., Ph.D

Strategic Planning This is a process in which the Board places in the hands of the local community decisions regarding the initiatives for providing services for students. Districts that do not have strategic planning have to operate from a strict adherence to accountability mandate and are limited to reactive rather than proactive management of growth and change.

Strategic Planning The Allen ISD Strategic Plan for 2013 & Beyond was developed beginning in January, 2012 with a 30 member steering committee representing parents, businesses, staff and the Board of Trustees. The committee’s final meeting to approve Action Plans and Specific Results of approximately 100 school personnel, students, community and business representatives was held January 11, 2013. The completed Strategic Plan was presented to our Board of Trustees at the February 25, 2013 Board Meeting as part of the Strategic Plan Process.

Strategic Planning Academically Prepared for Future Pursuits Four strategic objectives were created by the committee under the following categories: Academically Prepared for Future Pursuits 2 Strategies, 4 Focus Areas, 7 Action Plans Effective Problem-Solvers 2 Strategies, 2 Action Plans Effective Communicators 2 Strategies, 3 Action Plans Responsible and Engaged Citizens

Strategic Planning Built on our Graduate Profile, the Strategic Plan is now in its second year of implementation. Results of the first year were reviewed in an annual Strategic Planning Retreat in Spring of 2014. Progress this year will be reviewed in May. Several of the Project Kids considerations are based on Strategic Plan objectives. Project Kids will present their recommendations to the Board on April 27th, either completing or making progress toward completion of those Action Plans. Year Three Action Plans will also be reviewed to determine implementation schedules and predictions for completion at that annual retreat.

Allen ISD Graduate Profile Allen High School Graduates will be: Academically Prepared for Future Pursuits Students will possess necessary skills to seek educational and career options as they continually pursue and integrate knowledge. Effective Problem-Solvers Students will master the skills needed to design innovative solutions within independent and team settings. Effective Communicators Students will be able to listen critically and speak articulately, will be able to resolve conflicts effectively and appropriately, will be able to understand and appreciate diverse individuals and cultures, will be able to exercise leadership qualities, and will be able to communicate using advancing technology. Responsible and Engaged Citizens Students will demonstrate ethical and moral decision-making in the context of their local, national and world community. They will also possess an awareness of community resources and understand the value of service to others.

Strategic Plan Character Building Online Classes Professional Development Alternative Education Technology One-Stop Shop Strategic Plan Career Certifications Culture of Sharing 1 to 1 Devices Global Communication Early Childhood Center Service Leadership

Project Kids 2015

Project Kids 2015 Project Kids is a citizen advisory committee formed to study facility needs and make recommendations on short-range and long-range capital project issues. Project Kids was utilized in 2202, 2003, and 2008, and similar committees were formed prior to the 1995 and 1998 bond elections. 80 Community members, business representatives, parents, AISD staff including teachers and administrators serving on the Project Kids committee have been meeting since December 9th An external facilitator guides the planning process and the group work that will lead to a final recommendation to the Board of Trustees to call a Bond Election in November of 2015.

Project Kids 2015 That bond proposal will address the need for increasing facility and program capacity through construction, renovation, rebuilding, and re- purposing existing facilities. Also included will be upgrading technology, safety and security, transportation, and other improvements to meet anticipated increase in student population. Committee Meeting task cycles, questions from committee members, copies of presentations and other resources are posted on the Project Kids website: http://www.allenisd.org/projectkids15

Board Policy & Governance Presented by: Dr. Maroba Zoeller

Board Policy Schools operate under legal policy based on actions taken by the Texas State Legislature which are then mandated by the Texas Administration Code, Texas Education Code, Texas Education Agency and State Board of Education. Texas Legislature Texas Education Code Texas Education Agency Texas State Board of Education

Board Policy Districts subscribe to a policy service provided by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) who issue those legal policies for all districts as they are revised based on legislative action or other changes in code.

Board Policy Each district develops their own local policy based on those legal policies in which they are able to “localize” each of those legal policies. Local policies can be more detailed, include more restrictions and reserves, but cannot be written to contradict, not fully enforce or not align with the legal policy.

Board Policy Legal and Local policy are posted on the Allen ISD Board website. A topic index is provided for ease in locating policies that govern particular areas or subjects and provide a comprehensive cross-reference of all policies in all areas.

Board Policy Policies are divided into sections: A: Basic District Foundations B: Local Governance C: Business and Support Services D: Personnel E: Instruction F: Students G: Community and Governmental Relations

2014-15 Board Planning Calendar Board Calendar This venue offers an on-line reference for Board and community members so planning for Board members is transparent. Issues are defined and scheduled, usually with two months’ notice to allow time for review before a decision is made. Edits are made as there are changes to the calendar, including additional workshops that may be necessary for budget discussions, legislative updates or other timely issues requiring board discussion. 2014-15 Board Planning Calendar

Training Requirements

Training Requirements Board members are required to have three different kinds of continuing education: Tier One: Orientations All newly elected or appointed board members must within 60 days receive a local orientation to their district. (Provided by local officials, preferably the Board President and Superintendent) Orientation to Texas Education Code (Provided by the Regional Education Service Center) - Experienced board members receive an update to the Texas Education Code after each legislative session

Training Requirements Tier Two: Teamwork Each year all members of the board and the superintendent must participate, as a group, in a team- building session to enhance the team’s effectiveness. At the end of the session, the board must review the framework for school board development, a list of major board activities, and identify which of those activities board members would benefit from having additional training.

Training Requirements Tier Three: Discretionary Continuing Education First year board members must receive 10 hours of additional education related to the activities identified in the framework as being areas of need. Experienced board members must receive at least five hours of additional continuing education each year related to the areas of need. (Up to five hours of the tier three training may be completed via on-line training courses.)

Continuing Education Credit Training Requirements Training Continuing Education Credit Overview of Continuing Education Requirements for School Board Members FAQ: Board Member Continuing Education Requirements School Board Member Training – SBOE Rules School Board Member Training – Framework for School Board Development

TASB Resources for Board Candidates Preparing to Serve: A Webinar for School Board Candidates  This workshop will help individuals interested in running for their local school board understand what is involved in being elected to and serving on the local school board. Board responsibilities, constructive campaigns, and other information and resources will be covered. Best of all, it's free, and you can view it from the comfort of home.   A Guide for School Board Candidates  Updated annually, this publication summarizes the duties of a school board member, procedures for seeking an elected board position, and services offered by TASB in support of effective school governance. Order it from the TASB Store . Your district's superintendent's office may have copies available for candidates as well. Check with them during election filing periods.  Serving on a Board: An Insiders Guide to Board Service for School Board Candidates A recorded video Webcast designed especially for people considering a run for the school board, provides perspectives from experienced board members on what it is like to be on a board. View this program now.

TASB: Local Resources If you have questions about how schools are operated in your district, your local superintendent or experienced trustees, especially your board president, are important sources of information. Another important source is your district's policy manual, a key tool in understanding the requirements imposed by law upon the school district, as well as the paths the board of trustees has chosen within the discretion permitted the board by state and federal law and regulation. Questions about school district policies should be directed to the superintendent, who is usually responsible for maintaining the official board policy manual for the school district. Many local school districts and regional education service centers also offer candidate workshops that give you an opportunity to ask questions of local school trustees and superintendents about school board service as well. Check with the superintendent's office in your local district to find out if one is available in your area.

TASB: State Resources For information and publications with details about campaign laws and regulations, including campaign finance and advertising, see TASB’s useful links to several state agencies that can assist you. For additional information about school board service, contact Leadership Team Services at 512-467-0222, extension 6161.

Board Operations Presented by: Louise Master, Board President

Board Operating Procedures

AISD Board Operating Procedures These procedures serve the purpose of highlighting frequently addressed issues regarding the Board. In any case where these procedures are found to be in conflict with the AISD Policy Manual, the Policy Manual controls. AISD Board Operating Procedures

Board Operating Procedures I. Developing Meeting Agenda (BE Local) II. Consent Agenda III. Executive (Closed) Session (BEC Legal) IV. Community, Citizens Addressing the Board V. Board Responses to Citizens Addressing the Board (BE Legal, BED Local) VI.Voting (BE Local)

Board Operating Procedures IX. Citizen Request or Complaint to Individual Board Member X. Employee Request or Complaint to Individual Board Member Board Member Visit to School Campus Board and Superintendent Communications Board Members’ Standard of Behavior and Code of Conduct Board Review and Evaluation of the Superintendent

Board Operating Procedures Review or Evaluation of the Board Criteria or Process for Selecting Board Officers Media Inquiries Response to Communication Violation of Board Operating Procedures

“Team of Eight” The AISD Board of Trustees and Superintendent form the “Team of Eight.” Board meetings are held monthly at Allen City Hall. The meetings usually begin at 7:00 p.m. and are usually held on the fourth Monday of the month. Call 972.727.0511 to check meeting dates. Patrons who would like to contact the Board are invited to “Ask the Team of Eight” by emailing their questions to teamof8@allenisd.org.

“Hardest Lessons”

“Hardest Lessons” The most difficult lesson was . . . . from the National School Boards Association (NSBA) The most difficult lesson was . . . . Learning to acknowledge publicly that you have no power and authority as an individual board member; that only the board as a whole can make policies and decisions for the school district.

“Hardest Lessons” The most difficult lesson was . . . . Determining what your function is on the board and how to accomplish it effectively.

“Hardest Lessons” The most difficult lesson was . . . . That no matter what you think you know about board service when you first come on board, you still have a lot to learn.

“Hardest Lessons” The most difficult lesson was . . . . Recognizing the difference between setting policy (the board’s job) and administering the schools (the superintendent’s job).

“Hardest Lessons” The most difficult lesson was . . . . Knowing that you must represent all the students. Your decisions must be made in the interest of the total school system and not made solely for special groups or interests.

“Hardest Lessons” The most difficult lesson was . . . . Learning how to respond to complaints and concerns of citizens, school administrators and other staff.

“Hardest Lessons” The most difficult lesson was . . . . That change comes slowly.

“Hardest Lessons” The most difficult lesson was . . . . That you can’t solve everyone’s problems by yourself.

“Hardest Lessons” The most difficult lesson was . . . . That you must think deeply and sometimes accept a reality that is contrary to your own beliefs.

“Hardest Lessons” The most difficult lesson was . . . . That effective board service means being able to hold the minority viewpoint when voting on a given issue; then openly supporting in your community the majority vote of the board.

“Hardest Lessons” The most difficult lesson was . . . . Discovering how the schools are funded.

“Hardest Lessons” The most difficult lesson was . . . . That the primary focus of all board decisions must be student achievement.

“Questions & Answers” Current School Board Members

Allen Independent School District P O Box 13 Allen, Texas 75013 972-727-0511